Confidence. Creativity. Can-do attitude. It begins here.
At Laguna Niguel School of Music, Dennis Frayne Music Studios, we offer exceptional music instruction on guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, and other string instruments. Acoustic and electric. Classical, jazz, folk, rock & roll, country, and church music. Learn from the pros!
Individual (private) and small group (classroom) guitar lessons are available. Both options have advantages and are tailored to the most important needs and interests of each student.
Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Guitar Lessons (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Children’s Guitar)
Overview
We offer the best guitar lessons for beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitar students. For beginners, we use the most effective and proprietary Presto! It’s Guitar Magic method books and curriculum. This excellent guitar method series has been and continues to be developed by Dr. Dennis Frayne, Mr. Denny Frayne (his son), and other expert teachers within Dennis Frayne Music Studios. We offer lessons in acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and bass guitar.
Our guitar instructors teach rock, blues, metal, country and classical styles on both electric and acoustic guitars. Beginners work on chords, folk songs, children’s songs, and simple pop songs and melodies, sight reading and theory. Each lesson will challenge you with a new technique or music theory, and ends with something fun – such as your favorite riff or song. We employ a variety of guitar repertoire based on student needs and preferences, and encourage students to bring smartphones or CDs to their lessons to learn their favorite tunes.
What’s the #1 reason to study guitar at the Laguna Niguel School of Music?
Our guitar instructors are warm and friendly, and get to know each student and parent on a personal level. We work with you to craft a lesson plan that fits your individual needs and the student's favorite type of music. Whether you're playing in local bands, a seven year old taking their first lesson, or a fifty year old returning to the guitar after many years, we’ll set goals to achieve your musical aspirations.
What styles of guitar do you teach?
We teach all styles, from rock, pop, jazz, and blues to metal, country and classical guitar – on electric and acoustic guitars.
How qualified are your guitar instructors?
Our guitar and music instructors have received their education from prestigious institutions in California, across the United States, and in some cases around the world. Some have toured the US and Europe, and bring over 25 years of professional performance and teaching experience to your lessons.
What will I learn from guitar lessons at the Laguna Niguel School of Music?
Beginner guitar students can expect to work on chords, folk songs, children’s songs, and simple pop songs and melodies, sight reading and theory. Our instructors balance musicianship and fun by making sure that each lesson presents a new technical challenges or theory concept, and ends with something fun, such as your favorite riff or song. We use a variety of guitar method books, and encourage students to bring their smartphone or CDs to their lesson to learn their favorite tunes.
Bass Guitar Lessons
We offer bass guitar lessons for beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitar students. Bass guitar can be taken as individual private lessons or within a rock band ensemble.
Ukulele, Mandolin, & Banjo Lessons
Ukulele is a great way to get started in music, on guitar, and is a wonderful instrument in its own right. Like guitar, ukulele can be played both as a solo instrument and as accompaniment to singing. Mandolin and banjo are also fun, challenging, and rewarding string instruments to learn to play!
How Do I Get Started with Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, or Banjo Lessons?
The best way to get started is to schedule an introductory music lesson. At this 30-minute music lesson, the student will learn something useful, and we will gain an understanding of the student’s needs and best placement options. After your introductory music lesson, you will be able to enroll for studio membership and ongoing lessons.
Schedule an Introductory Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, or Banjo Lesson
Individual Guitar Lessons (Private Instruction)
There are many reasons why students and families prefer individual guitar lessons. The three biggest advantages involve one-on-one teacher instruction, curriculum, pacing, and schedule customization, and preparation for outside activities such as recitals, exams (e.g., Music Teacher Association of California Certificate of Merit), special performances, competitions, and auditions (e.g., for Orange County School of the Arts, the Saddleback College Applied Music Program, or university/conservatory entrance requirements).
One-on-one Teacher Instruction - students receive individual private instruction from their teacher. The entire lesson time and all of the teacher’s attention are devoted to one student.
Curriculum, Pacing, and Schedule Customization - teachers have the flexibility to tailor the curriculum and pacing of instruction to each individual student. For example, additional guitar or bass guitar pieces and styles can be added to the sequencing, substitute pieces, or pieces of special interest to the student. A student who loves to sing and play can do more singing and playing in lessons, and a student who wants to learn to play jazz or bluegrass can do more improvising in lessons. In addition, there are likely more day and time options available for individual lessons (group class days and times may be predetermined according to the course catalog and class schedules).
Preparation for Outside Activities - students who wish to play non-standard repertoire at recitals (such as themed music) or want/need to learn pieces for special performances, competitions, or auditions can do so more easily by taking individual guitar lessons. Also, students who wish to participate in exams such as MTAC CM and others can get the dedicated instruction they need during their regular lessons (students in group classes can do these things but must take the extra weekly class rather than do the work in their group setting.)
Small Group Guitar Lessons (Classroom Instruction)
There are many reasons why students and families prefer group guitar lessons. The three biggest advantages involve affordability, the pacing of instruction, and the social aspect of learning with others and interacting with peers.
Affordability - group guitar lessons cost less. There are some variables, but the average cost of group lessons is about 50% of the cost of private lessons.
Pacing of Instruction - group guitar lessons encourage students to keep on pace. Students in the class move through the curriculum together, and, with guidance and encouragement from the teacher, create a learning environment that is supportive, nurturing, collaborative, and mutually rewarding. Students get very comfortable playing in front of others, and always have a small audience to practice performing for, which stimulates the development and improves progress.
Social Aspect - many students enjoy learning with others and interacting with peers. We strive to place students into appropriate age groupings, and in these learning environments, close bonds and lasting friendships often develop. Students have more opportunities to play duets and make music together as an ensemble, which can help with rhythm, blend, and teamwork, and better prepare them for school music such as band, choir, and orchestra.
Students will advance further and faster with our exceptional 60-minute group guitar lessons than with any ordinary guitar teacher’s 30-minute private lessons!
The joy of playing the guitar lies in its ability to effortlessly connect the musician with a world of melodies and rhythms, turning simple strums into deeply expressive, soulful music.
The Guitar: So Much Beauty, Plentiful Sounds, and So Many Options
The joy of playing the guitar is rooted in its incredible versatility and the deep connection it fosters between the musician and the music. Whether strumming the warm, resonant tones of an acoustic guitar or exploring the dynamic, amplified sounds of an electric guitar, the instrument offers an immediate and expressive musical experience. Acoustic guitars, with their rich and natural sound, are perfect for everything from intimate classical pieces to lively folk tunes, providing a personal and soulful connection to music. Electric guitars, on the other hand, open up a world of sonic possibilities, from the smooth grooves of jazz to the powerful riffs of rock and popular music, allowing musicians to craft their unique voice and style.
Bass guitar, often the backbone of a band, adds another layer of joy and fulfillment. With its deep, resonant tones, the bass guitar drives the rhythm and adds depth to the music, whether in a jazz ensemble, a rock band, or a church worship team. The satisfaction of locking in with the drummer to create a solid groove is unparalleled, and the bass guitar’s role in shaping the music’s foundation brings a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Whether playing intricate jazz lines, supporting a soaring worship melody, or laying down a funky bass line, the bass guitar offers a unique and rewarding musical experience.
The guitar’s versatility extends across genres and settings, from classical compositions and popular music to jazz improvisations and worship music in church. In classical music, the guitar’s ability to convey intricate melodies and harmonies offers a profound sense of beauty and tradition. In jazz, the guitar becomes a tool for creative exploration, allowing musicians to express themselves through improvisation and complex chord progressions. In popular music, the guitar often takes center stage, providing memorable riffs and solos that define the genre. In church music, the guitar helps create an atmosphere of reflection and unity, connecting the congregation through the power of music. The joy of playing the guitar lies in its ability to adapt to any musical environment, offering endless opportunities for expression, creativity, and connection.
